3 Street Art Neighbourhoods in Bangkok you should visit
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Are you a lover of street art? Bangkok has some really fantastic work just waiting to be discovered. So lace up your walking shoes and let’s go wandering three neighbourhoods that have become synonymous with the city’s flourishing street art scene. While there is street art spread across Bangkok these three areas have a high concentration making them perfect to explore on a short visit.
Bangrak
It’s impossible to discuss Bangkok’s street art without mentioning Bangrak including the famous Soi Charoenkrung 32. This district, named after the city’s oldest paved road, has reinvented itself as an intriguing blend of past and future. Along these streets, historic architecture provides the backdrop for colourful murals and graffiti.
The largest concentration is between Charoenkrung 28 and 32. This is mainly because this was ground zero for the Burkrak Street Art Festivals held in 2013 and 2016. These attracted dozens of artists and much of the work created as a result remains today.
The epicentre of these works is Charoen Krung 32. If you don’t have a lot of time, this is the one place I recommend you head first.
In the streets around Charoen Krung 32 you will find work by Thailand’s best known and most prolific artists, including Alex Face and Meubon. There is also an amazing mural by Nihls on the front wall of the Portuguese Embassy.
Getting to Bangrak: If you are staying at Siam or up near Akok, take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, it’s a 15-minute walk from here and there is a whole wall of murals along the wall opposite the BTS. Alternatively, ride the ferry to Si Phraya which puts you within 400m of Charoen Krung 32.
Taled Noi
A 15-minute walk south of Soi Charoen Krung 32 will get you to Soi Chareonkrung 22 in Taled Noi (also spelt Talet Noi). This is one of the most charming areas in the city.
This area’s street art often shows everyday scenes. You’ll also find unique takes on Thai myths and legends. It’s like a live outdoor gallery, mirroring the vibrant urban culture of Bangkok.
The narrow sois and laneways here are also littered with renovated buildings that have retained their heritage feel. In recent years, this has become one of old Bangkok’s most buzzing neighbourhoods.
The work here documents the area’s history and is a blend of old and new stories. While some parts of Taled Noi feel like an art gallery, moments later you are strolling past spare parts stalls and mechanics shops reminding you that this is still an authentic community.
While exploring, don’t forget to head into some of the renovated old shop houses and riverside cafes for a snack or cold drink.
Getting to Taled Noi: The easiest way to get to Taled Noi is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Marine Dept Pier. The Green, Orange and Yellow flag ferries and the HOHO ferry stops here.
Ratchathewi/Siam
Just minutes from the bustling shopping malls of Siam Square, lies a neighbourhood that’s a paradise for street art seekers. Ratchathewi spans an area from Victory Monument to
Chaloemla Park (Graffiti Park) became a prominent street art site back in 2013 BUKRUK Festival, when it was transformed by local artists and well-known artists from around the world. Today it still features a few of the original works but it’s a current site so things change all the time.
The next hotspot in Ratchathewi are the walls along the Saen Saep Canal – an ever changing array of artwork graces the walls along quite a good stretch of this canal which is a popular transport route between the upper suburbs of Sukhumvit and Chinatown.
Stroll from the Graffiti Park to the canal and then follow it to Siam Square pier until you reach the signs for the Jim Thompson House. This short walk will give you a feel of the work here. If you have the time and energy you could continue along the canal for more.
From the canal you will make your way to the final stop in our Ratchathewi walk, the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre at Siam Square.
There are also a number of murals outside the arts centre and along the walkway between Siam Square and National Stadium BTS.
Getting to Rahchathewi: Take the BTS to Ratchathewi Station or Sapan Hua Chang Pier. Much of the art is located between these two transport hubs.
Street Art Hunting in Bangkok: Useful Tips and Tricks
Heading out to find street art in Bangkok can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the city’s energetic streets. Here are some easy tips to make your urban art adventure even better.
- First off, always keep your eyes peeled. Great street art can pop up in the most unexpected places – disused buildings, tiny alleyways, and the sides of towering skyscrapers.
- Bangkok’s street art is as diverse as the city itself; some pieces are right in your face and impossible to miss, while others are more subtle and tucked away in the city’s nooks and crannies. It’s these hidden works that often deliver an extra layer of excitement and satisfaction when discovered.
- If you enjoy the street art hunt another tip is to spend some time checking out Instagram before you go hunting. Street art lovers all over the world share images and sometimes they pinpoint the locations of their favourite pieces. Even without actual addresses you can give clues of places to explore next.
- Before heading out, make sure to dress for comfort. With artwork hidden throughout the city, be prepared for some walking. Think comfy shoes and sun protection. Bangkok’s vibrant streets are waiting to take you on an urban art adventure.
- While I am generally a fan our heading out early in the morning to go street art hunting in Bangkok this often backfires as many of these laneways are full of hawkers selling Bangkok workers their breakfast! Things usually quieten down and they head home in the early afternoon making a street art walk perfect for 3-4pm just before happy hour!
In the end, a journey through Bangkok’s street art will reveal the city’s multilayered personality. Dress comfortably, keep an open mind, and let the city guide you to its hidden gems. Happy hunting!
About the Author: Paula Morgan has been visiting Thailand for more than 20 years and along with the street food and wonderful landscapes she loves exploring the inner streets of Bangkok looking for new artwork. You can find more of her writing about Thailand on her website Thailand Awaits.
Have you see Bangkok’s street art? Which area was your favourite?
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